Visit Dance-It-Out! Creative Movement Stories to Learn about the 18-Book Series
This whimsical tale of discovery is so full of joy and wonder. It also opens a door to dance in the most charming and accessible way.
—Peter Boal, Pacific Northwest Ballet's Artistic Director
Another wonderful journey into the imagination with Ballerina Konora, perfect for young dancers everywhere!
—Reedsy
Cheerful and heartwarming, this movement adventure will inspire creative expression through imagination.
—Mary Lanni, Librarian
...whimsical storytelling and interactive play to fully engage the reader. Using clever prompts and clear visual representation...while teaching attention to detail as they develop and refine the brain/body connection.
—Garrett Anderson, Ballet Idaho Artistic Director/Father of Three Lively Boys
In effect...a bilingual presentation presented in two languages: that of a traditional story, and its counterpart in movement and exercise.
—D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
...a story young readers will return to again and again.
—Reedsy
An innovative use of dance and storytelling for a fun, child-focused activity.
—Kirkus Reviews
Children who love to dance and move will look forward to interacting with each new character in these unique stories.
—Mary Lanni, Librarian
Children can learn in a fun and healthy way while enjoying valuable bonding time with their parents...
—Reedsy
Each Dance-It-Out! book is an independent story ready for the imagination stage. Every book has it's own unique feel: different sets, costumes, and choreography—just like a new dance performance. More about each published book further below.
• Brielle’s Birthday Ball is a beautiful was-it-all-just-a-dream adventure packed with movement concepts and subtle life lessons. (three generations' collaboration: original story by Grandma)
• Sadoni Squirrel: Superhero tells the story of how one little critter with superpowers found her sidekick.
• Dayana, Dax, and the Dancing Dragon Similar story as Danny, Denny, and the Dancing Dragon featuring sibling love and dragon encounters.
• Duplicate Story: Danny, Denny, and the Dancing Dragon
• Mira Monkey’s Magic Mirror Adventure is Book One of a trilogy of fairy mischief. Mira enjoys the carnival until crazy things happen. Fairies delight and add a secondary movement challenge.
• Belluna's Big Adventure in the Sky is a quirky celebration of individuality. When Belluna gets swept up by a storm, will she ever make it home again?
• Freya, Fynn, and the Fantastic Flute features friendly ghosts, bats, and zombies. Will Fynn and Freya manage to tame the creatures? (collaboration with author/choreographer Marjorie Thompson)
• Princess Naomi Helps a Unicorn includes sibling squabbles, a horse, a snake, and joyful reunions. Gallops, leaps, and muscle activation are just a few of the movement themes.
• Petunia Perks Up is a relaxing story of meditation and gentle movement. Petunia lets elements of her day spark her imagination, and she finds a peaceful calm. (Movements are simple, but readers may better-engage with an active story as series introduction.)
• Joey Finds His Jump! is a story of friendship and jumping jubilance.
• The Cat with the Crooked Tail highlights the value of practice, friendship, and a good attitude. Merida Brown, the feline heroine, thinks her tail hinders her abilities. With help from a friend, she proves herself wrong. (Kids might ask for props or want to set up an obstacle course.)
• Danika’s Dancing Day focuses on ballet. Danika creates a performance out of chores, playing outside, and even her dreams. Ballet words are mentioned often; non-dancers may want to start with a different story and build up to this one.
• Andi's Valentine Tree is a story of a special tree that offers solace for Andi, a dancer and victim of unkindness. Ideal for ages 6+.
Coming Soon
• Eka and the Elephants tells what happens when Eka's family plants a garden and Eka worries animals may destroy their hard work.
• Daryl and the Dancing Dolls follows Daryl as her ordinary life takes an unexpected turn.
• Mira and Marvin's Magic Mirror Mischief (Mira Book 2) recounts how the friends' playdate to experiment with the magic mirror doesn't go quite as planned.
• Mira Monkey and the Fairy’s Ballerina Shoes (Mira Book 3) chronicles what happens when the fairies take their magic mirror back from Mira, but they give her something even better.
• The Grumpy Goat recounts the hilarious antics that occur when Aspen and Sycamore convince their family to get a goat to handle their blackberry bushes.
Check out audio versions too.
*Previous dates shifted due to artist sickness including COVID-19.